Maya Ellison
Getting eyeshadow out of its plastic container, also known as depotting, is a handy way to save space and create a custom palette. It involves removing each individual pan of eyeshadow from its original packaging and transferring it to a more compact container. This process can be done with or without heat, depending on the tools available and the adhesiveness of the glue used in the packaging. Some common tools used for depotting include knives, flathead screwdrivers, steel palette tools, and hairdryers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Why depot eye shadow? | To transfer new or barely used shades into their own palette, create a custom palette, or make it more travel-friendly. |
| Tools required | A pointed tool with a sharp tip, such as a knife, flathead screwdriver, or steel palette tool. |
| Steps | 1. Open the eye shadow compact and find the notch at the front. 2. Work to separate the compact and the plastic housing by prying the plastic around the shadow out with the pointed tool. 3. Light a candle and use pliers to hold the back of the plastic housing over the flame for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until the adhesive starts to melt. 4. Push against the back of the shadow with the pointed tool to pry it free. 5. Allow the eye shadow pan to cool before handling it. |
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What You'll Learn
Using a knife to separate the shadow from the container
To get eyeshadow out of its plastic container, you can use a knife to separate the shadow from the container. Here's a step-by-step guide:
- Open the eyeshadow compact and locate the notch at the front where the compact snaps shut. Just above it, you will see a thin line where the plastic housing fits into the compact.
- Carefully wedge a knife between the pot and the shadow part. Apply a little bit of pressure, and the shadow should pop out of the pot. You can use a pointed kitchen knife, a craft knife, or a similar tool with a pointed tip.
- Place the eyeshadow pot on a piece of wax paper on a flat iron or hair straightener for about 20-30 seconds. Make sure the iron is hot. This will warm up the eyeshadow, softening the plastic and glue holding the shadow in place.
- After warming the eyeshadow, carefully use your knife to poke into the backside of the shadow and press lightly. The plastic should be soft, allowing you to pop out the shadow easily. Be careful not to poke yourself.
- Finally, use your knife to lift the shadow out of the plastic housing. Be cautious as the metal surrounding the shadow may still be hot.
It is important to work slowly and gently to avoid breaking the plastic or damaging the eyeshadow. Additionally, always be mindful of your safety when handling sharp objects and heated tools.
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Warming the shadow to soften the glue and plastic
Warming eye shadow to soften the glue and plastic is a great way to get the product out of its container. This method is especially useful for eye shadows that come in pots, such as M.A.C. eye shadows.
To begin, carefully wedge a knife between the pot and the eye shadow. With a little pressure, the shadow should pop out of the pot. Place the shadow on a piece of waxed paper on a flat iron set to high heat for 20-30 seconds. The heat will cause the plastic to soften, as well as the glue holding the shadow in place.
Once the shadow is warmed, use a knife to gently poke and press on the backside of the shadow. The softened plastic should now be pliable, allowing you to easily pop out the eye shadow. Be cautious, as the metal surrounding the shadow will be hot.
An alternative method is to use a hairdryer to slowly melt the eye shadow within its container. This technique is recommended for eye shadow pencils, such as the NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil. By gently heating the product, you can then use a small spatula or knife to lift and separate the eye shadow from the plastic.
It is important to note that when using heat to soften glue and plastic, you should always be cautious and avoid applying excessive force. Additionally, always ensure that the heat source is safe for the specific type of eye shadow packaging you are working with.
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Using a sharpener to get the product out
If you're looking to get the most out of your eye shadow pencil, a sharpener can be a handy tool. Here's a detailed guide on how to use one to get the product out of its plastic container:
First, it's important to note that not all eye shadow pencils are designed to be sharpened. Some may have twist-up mechanisms, so make sure your product requires sharpening before proceeding. If you're unsure, check the packaging or the brand's website for instructions.
Now, let's get into the steps for using a sharpener:
- Choose the Right Sharpener: Select a sharpener with a hole size that fits your eye shadow pencil snugly. It should be specifically designed for cosmetic use and made of high-quality materials. A dull or poorly aligned sharpener can make sharpening difficult and may lead to product waste.
- Prepare the Pencil: To ensure a smooth sharpening process, it's recommended to chill your eye shadow pencil in the freezer for a few minutes. Freezing hardens the wax pigment, reducing crumbling and breakage during sharpening. The duration of freezing may vary depending on the thickness of the pencil. Thicker pencils may require longer freezing times.
- Sanitize the Sharpener: Before using the sharpener, it's crucial to disinfect it to prevent the transfer of bacteria to your eye area. Dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and thoroughly clean the blades and inner compartment of the sharpener. This step should be repeated after each use to maintain proper hygiene.
- Sharpen the Pencil: Remove the pencil from the freezer and test its hardness. If it still feels soft or crumbly, return it to the freezer for a bit longer. Once the pencil is sufficiently hardened, insert it into the sharpener. Gently turn the pencil in the sharpener, making at least one full rotation. Be careful not to force it, as this can break the product. Sharpen over a trash can to catch the shavings.
- Test and Adjust: Remove the pencil from the sharpener and assess the sharpness of the tip. If you're satisfied, you're ready to use your eye shadow pencil. However, if the tip is too dull or thick, continue sharpening in small increments until you achieve the desired sharpness. Always ensure there are no sharp edges on the tip, as it will be in contact with your eye area.
- Clean and Store: After sharpening, sanitize the sharpener again by dipping a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and cleaning the blades and inner compartment. Properly dispose of the shavings and store your sharpener in a clean, dry place.
By following these steps, you'll be able to effectively use a sharpener to access the remaining eye shadow product in its plastic container. Remember to work carefully and patiently, as forcing the pencil or using a dull sharpener can lead to product waste and a less-than-ideal finish.
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Holding the container over a candle's flame to melt the adhesive
To get eye shadow out of its plastic container, one method is to use heat to melt the adhesive. This can be done by holding the container over a candle flame. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Open the eye shadow compact and locate the small notch at the front where the compact snaps shut.
- Just above the notch, you will see a thin line where the pan's plastic housing fits into the compact.
- Use a small, thin tool with a pointed tip, such as a knife or a flathead screwdriver, to wedge into the groove and gently pry the plastic around the shadow out.
- Once you have separated the plastic housing from the compact, light a small candle.
- Use a pair of pliers to hold the back of the plastic housing over the candle flame, being careful not to burn yourself.
- Hold the plastic housing over the flame for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until the adhesive holding the pan inside the housing starts to melt.
- After removing the housing from the flame, allow it to cool for a few minutes before handling it further.
- Use a pointed tool to push against the back of the shadow to pry it free from the plastic housing.
It is important to work gently and take your time when prying the eye shadow out of the plastic container to avoid breaking the plastic or damaging the eye shadow. Additionally, always take necessary precautions when working with an open flame to ensure safety.
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Depotting to transfer to a more compact palette
Depotting eyeshadow involves removing individual pans of eyeshadow from their original packaging and transferring them into a compact, customisable palette. This is a useful way to streamline your makeup collection, especially if you only use a few shades from a palette. It also reduces the need for multiple plastic containers, thereby cutting down on waste.
To depot eyeshadow, you will need a heat source such as a hairdryer, a flat iron, a small pot of boiling water, or a candle; a flat tool such as a butter knife or a depotting spatula; a surface to work on, such as a cutting board; and a new, empty palette.
If your eyeshadow palette is made of cardboard, you can rip away the surrounding cardboard between the pans. Then, use alcohol to soften the cardboard and start to loosen the adhesive. If your palette is plastic, heat the centre of the pan from below until the plastic gets soft. Then, push up with something metal, like the back of a pair of tweezers, and pluck the pan off the top.
Once the palette is warm, use your flat tool to gently pry the eyeshadow pans out. Be careful not to apply too much force, as you don't want to damage the eyeshadow pans. If you are finding it difficult to remove the pans, try heating the palette some more—the warmer the glue, the easier the pans will come out.
After removing the pans, use alcohol to clean off any remaining glue. You can then attach a magnetic sticker to the back of each pan and place them in your new palette.
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Frequently asked questions
First, open the eyeshadow compact and find the notch at the front. Then, take a small, thin tool with a pointed tip and work it into the groove to separate the eyeshadow from the compact. Be sure to take your time and gently wiggle the tool back and forth to avoid breaking the plastic.
You can use a flathead screwdriver, steel palette tool, craft knife, or pointed, flexible makeup spatula.
Depotting eyeshadow involves removing each individual pan and transferring them to alternate packaging. One common method is to use heat. First, cover your work area, then light a small candle and use pliers to hold the back of the plastic housing over the flame for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Once the adhesive starts to melt, use a pointed tool to push against the back of the shadow to pry it free.
